Ridgewood’s Karim can’t wait till next season

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Updated: March 24, 2012 8:33AM

Ridgewood sophomore Sam Karim was the lone representative for the Rebels at this year’s Class 2A state meet in Assembly Hall at Urbana-Champaign.

Karim, who entered the meet with an 11-4 record in postseason competition, lost his first bout by pin to eventual state champion David Pearce of Civic Memorial in the 126-pound weight class.

From there, Karim faced off against Lemont’s Jake Latanski in the first round of the wrestlebacks. Latanski, who finished fifth beat Karim by a 6-1 decision. Latanski went on to finish fifth in the meet with a 39-10 record.

“He did OK for his first time. He had first-match jitters and he lost to the state champion,” said head coach Jared McCabe. “In his second match, he said he wasn’t as nervous, which is good. He knows what (State is) like now and I’m confident he’ll place next year.”

Regarding his performance, Karim said, “I didn’t do so well, but everything comes with experience. I expect to have a nice run at the tournament next year. I am kind of (pleased) and I am kind of not. I know I could have wrestled better, but again, it comes with experience and I’ll get better.”

Despite falling short of a state title, Karim certainly made a name for himself this season, advancing to the state meet as just a sophomore. In the regular season, Karim went 13-6 overall, but struggled with making weight.

“He learned a lot about losing weight this year. Before the state meet, we had him up at 4 a.m. running, trying to make weight and he did somehow.

“Sam is only a sophomore. He still has a lot to learn, but he has proven to everyone that he is a force that should not be overlooked,” said McCabe. “He is a very strong kid with a lot of talent. All of his losses (were) to ranked kids and he has trained hard to get where he is now.”

Karim added, “I had an OK season. It should have been way better. I got to keep on with defensive wrestling and get my offense going. I didn’t really have a go-to shot this year. So I need to get it going on offense and control my weight. If I do that, there’s no reason I shouldn’t make state next year.”

If nothing else, Karim gained valuable experience just being in the state meet, which he can use heading into next year. Even though the season just ended, there is already excitement about next season.

“Joe Perez went with him (to State) and after Sam’s matches all they were talking about was where they are going in the offseason (to train for next season),” said McCabe.

“This was a learning year. Sam came from nothing and then qualified for State in just his second year wrestling, which is incredible. That is not supposed to happen.”

Speaking of next year, McCabe said, “I expect Sam to be a leader. We’re losing a great group of seniors so I expect him and Perez to step up as leaders. They both were at the state tournament so they experienced what it’s like and they want it (next year). That’s why they’re already talking about next year. We had a good year and I’m very excited for next year.”

Karim added, “I feel if I keep working, I can win it next year. Some people may think that’s far-fetched, but I think I can do it.”